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— In his first four seasons in the NFL, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis twice led the NFL in tackles and he never finished out of the league’s top 10.

That was great.

But wins are better.

That was Willis’ message Thursday when asked about his stats from this season. Willis ranks 25th in the league in tackles (54) and has 14 fewer than teammate NaVorro Bowman, who ranks second in the NFL.

“It’s not about the tackles or sacks or the stats,” said Willis, who is on pace for a career-low 123 tackles. “It’s about winning, and that’s what we’re doing and that’s what I’m all for.”

Willis’ dip in tackles doesn’t necessarily mean he’s experienced a drop in production. In the Niners’ 3-4 defense under Vic Fangio, Willis has been asked to cover tight ends more than he did in his first four seasons. His added duties in coverage have often taken him away from tackles.

“To be on a track that we are, to be able to be winning, I’ll do whatever it takes,” Willis said. “I don’t care if I have to go back and play in the middle of the field.”

Willis leads the NFL in tackles (649) since 2007 entering Sunday’s game at Washington. Redskins linebacker London Fletcher ranks second (601) during that time span.

John Carroll connection: Niners offensive coordinator Greg Roman (class of ’94) and Fletcher (’97) are both graduates of John Carroll University in suburban Cleveland. Other alums of the Division III school of about 4,000 include Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (’99), Colts general manager Chris Polian (’93) and Don Shula (’51), the winningest coach in NFL history. The Blue Streaks play their games in Don Shula Stadium.

Injury report: Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (hamstring) did not practice for the second straight day. McDonald was working with trainers on a side field during the portion of practice open to the media. McDonald would be replaced by Ricky Jean Francois if he is unable to play. … Defensive tackle Justin Smith returned to practice after he was given a day off Wednesday.